Central Louisiana State Hospital Dairy Barn

Central Louisiana State Hospital Dairy Barn is a historic structure located within the Central Louisiana State Hospital campus in Pineville, Louisiana. The barn was built in 1923 and is a significant example of early 20th-century dairy farming infrastructure.

History

The Central Louisiana State Hospital Dairy Barn was constructed as part of the hospital's self-sufficiency efforts. The hospital, which was established in 1906, aimed to provide for its own needs, including food production. The dairy barn was a crucial part of this effort, providing milk and dairy products for the hospital's patients and staff.

Architecture

The barn is a two-story structure, built in the Gambrel style, a design commonly used in barns in the early 20th century. The barn's design includes a hayloft on the second floor and a milking parlor on the first floor. The barn is constructed of brick, a material chosen for its durability and resistance to fire.

Significance

The Central Louisiana State Hospital Dairy Barn is a significant example of the self-sufficiency efforts of early 20th-century mental health institutions. It also represents a period of agricultural history when dairy farming was a common practice in institutional settings.

Preservation

The barn was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. Today, it stands as a reminder of the hospital's past and the history of dairy farming in Louisiana.

See also

• List of National Historic Landmarks in Louisiana
• History of Louisiana